KALIUM LAKES LIMITED Kalium Lakes Limited (Kalium Lakes or the Company) provides an update with respect to its corporate activities and operational status at the Beyondie SOP Project (Beyondie or BSOPP). Following validation of the purification plant process design, the equipment testing programme has continued as planned over the past month, with a cumulative total of 1,000 tonnes of commercially saleable SOP produced up to 29 June 2022. The availability of sufficient KTMS (kainite-type mixed salts) to feed the plant remains the key production constraint.
However, with the improved pond operating procedures, expectations are that sufficient KTMS will be available by end of August to commence the ramp up in production. Until then Kalium Lakes plans to produce SOP at lower rates, with the current focus being continuous production and building expertise in operating the plant. Further optimisation and rectification works during the planned shutdown in August will include a focus on the flotation circuit.
Additional works, including further pump upgrades and the installation of a heat exchanger to allow improved operation during hot summer weather do not require a shutdown and will take place after August. Production is planned to recommence in September, with progressive SOP output ramp-up through to nameplate performance tests planned at the end of fourth quarter of calendar year 2022. As previously outlined, the BSOPP is expected to be operating at an approximate 80 Ktpa SOP production run rate by first quarter of calendar year 2023, with the targeted 120 Ktpa run rate established by third quarter of calendar year 2024.
First commercial sales are being scheduled for mid-July delivery with offtake partner, K+S. Pond Operations - During the quarter to date, 20,100 tonnes of KTMS and 83,100 tonnes of waste salt was harvested. As a result of late season rain events in May and June, brine movement between the evaporation ponds has been halted due to the dilution effects of the rain on brine chemistry. This has resulted in delays in salt precipitation of 5-6 weeks due to the time required to evaporate the excess fresh water from the ponds and return the brine chemistry to target levels.
